Music Can Alter Shopping Habits

Ever noticed that the music that high street stores usually play sucks? It’s slow, boring, down paced and just outright dull? Well, there’s a good reason for that. A study has been carried out by Voucherbox.co.uk and Professor Rupert Till, a music professor at the University of Huddersfield.

They found that if stores play slow music, it will actively subconsciously encourage shoppers to slow down their pace, increasing the chances that that shopper has to buy something in the store. If the music is upbeat in tempo, it’s likely to have the opposite effect.

With Black Friday just around the corner, it makes sense that these stores get their hands on a specifically curated playlist, which Prof. Till has put together. I’m looking at you Oxford Street Topshop. Get rid of that DJ and replace them with an orchestra playing Bach.

But no, in all seriousness, with Christmas nearly here, stores could opt to play some of the slower songs that are associated with the holiday. Silent Night anyone?

Prof. Rupert Till commented, “Retailers often use music in sophisticated ways to manipulate the moods and behaviours of their customers. Shoppers though can take control and set their own mood, based on their situation by listening to music on their own personal devices.

“Whether people get easily distracted and buy items they don’t need or perhaps they need help overcoming the pressures of buying gifts for others, we have looked to provide a solution for a range of issues faced by shoppers.”

So depending on your mood, and how fast you like to shop, then why not invest in a decent set of headphones like the Bose QuietComfort 35 IIs we took a look at and set the pace to your shop. Oh, and lads, this could be the answer to all of your partner’s shopping needs, if you catch my drift?